Well, I'm part way on my decision. Beyond the immediate need I have with the rear body, I would like a way to bend tubes/pipes in sizes beside 3/4", which is what I'm using for the boot. I found this one mechanical bender that does 3/8", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" , 1" with wall thicknesses from 0.03” to 0.078”. It's only $138.99 USD, no sales tax and shipping is free.
It's here ==>
https://www.amazon.com/SHZOND-Bending-T ... ube+benderI have seen some decent reviews of it plus some videos on YouTube. The results look pretty good. It's a Chinese tool sold by a couple of different companies. I got a shipping notice within 2 hours of ordering. It's due between 12/12 and 12/17, so it is probably drop shipped from China via FedEx, UPS or DHL.
That still leaves the gentle curves. I did get a 25%, "Friends and Family" discount coupon from Harbor Freight yesterday. That drops the cost of the simple, direct drive, HF tube roller to $138.74 plus tax. At that price, I have to think seriously about the value of my time used in building one. Right now I only need to do 3/4", 16 gauge tube, which should not be a challenge for the tool. On the other hand, Dave's method is super low cost, but there's no on-going use of a tool in other projects I like the idea of bending 1/2 and 1" too. That could be very useful for the scuttle build.
@ngpmike
Duly noted, Mike. Thank you.
@Sean in CT
Thanks for those tips. I did look at those SWAG videos on YouTube. So, the stock HF roller does have a future if you want to enhance it. I liked the electric drive they developed plus all the dies they have for the machine.
@phil
I viewed a couple of videos that show enhancements to the 2 standard set screws, which essentially introduce shear pins in their place. For larger tubes they look essential. With the electric drive SWAG developed, and shear pins (part of SWAG kit) it is pretty capable.
@seattletom
Funny you should mention bending DOM tubes, Tom. After seeing the SWAG enhancements on YouTube, my mind ran to the argument, "How much will I save if I can bend the DOM tube for my roll bar too?" I haven't priced a roll bar out yet, but I assume it will be a few hundred bucks.
I think there is a pretty good case for buying the HF tube roller and just using it "stock" for a while as 1/2", 3/4" and 1" tube is all I'll need to do for a while. I have until this Sunday to make up my mind as the coupon is only good until then.
Thanks for all the replies gents,
Cheers,